New Delhi. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has said important things regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI). He said that AI is now moving beyond high school level mathematics and touching the boundaries of human knowledge. While a year ago AI was only capable of doing high school math, it is now capable of new research and physics as well. Altman described OpenAI as a research-first company, where the product is also the result of research. He said these things in a media program in New Delhi on Friday.
Enthusiasm about AI in India
Altman expressed his curiosity about India. He said that the builder energy in India is tremendous and the morning atmosphere at IIT Delhi was fantastic. India is one of the top users of ChatGPT, where people use it for coding, data analysis and learning. OpenAI announced the opening of new offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru and partnerships with companies like TCS, MakeMyTrip, JioHotstar. Praising the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Altman said that India should play on all layers of AI.
Superintelligence and the Balance of Power
On AGI (Artificial General Intelligence), Altman said that it is now very close, while ASI (Artificial Super Intelligence) is a few years away. He stressed that no single country or company should have control of superintelligence, as this would lead to global imbalance. Pointing out the need for democratization of AI, he said that AI should be in everyone’s hands with guardrails.
AI and impact on jobs
Altman cited history regarding jobs. He said that even during the Industrial Revolution, people were afraid, but the society adjusted. AI will change or eliminate many professions, but it will also create new opportunities and make people do new things. He described AI as enhancing human agency.
Comment on Elon Musk and energy
Altman praised Elon Musk, while also acknowledging the competition. On energy consumption, he said that the claims of water use are fake, but we will have to move rapidly towards solar and nuclear energy. He emphasized on global cooperation, democracy and balanced development.